Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The CDBG program is administered by the U.S, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled communities to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improved facilities and services. The program benefits low and moderate income residents.

CDBG accounts for approximately 73% of the HUD funds Cambridge will receive in FY2013. The City has averaged $3.5 million since 1974, but has seen its largest annual decrease in the programs history (17% to $2.8 million) in FY2012. In the coming year HUD’s use of the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS) data in determining entitlement allocations afforded Cambridge a larger portion of the total CDBG program than in previous years; the result is a better-than-expected reduction of 1.45% ($2,756,823) for FY2013.

Notable CDBG Accomplishments of the Last Five Years:

For every one dollar of CDBG funding received, another $5.20 was leveraged, for a total of $85,597,858 ($30,318,764 in private / non-profit) in private and public leveraged funds.

737 affordable housing units were created or assisted, 683 residents were assisted via Economic Development, and 39,742 people were assisted via Public Services through the CDBG program in the past five years.

Created or retained 32 jobs in the past five years via training for specific jobs and subsequent placement.

Allocated funds in the amount of $951,297 toward economic development activities, such a direct financial assistance to businesses, and commercial and industrial improvements, among others.

Spent $1,137,381 on public improvements, such as the development and improvements of public facilities, street and sidewalk improvements, water and sewer improvements, senior centers and child care facilities, and the development of parks and recreational facilities, among others.

Used $2,962,257 for public services, such as services for senior and youth projects, health services, employment training, services for abused and neglected children, and services for the disabled, among others.